What is Scalp Micropigmentation?
# 1 |
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), also known as a ‘Hair Tattoo,’ is a revolutionary non-surgical cosmetic treatment that deposits tiny dots into the scalp using specialised micro-needles and organic pigments. The process of scalp micropigmentation replicates the appearance of real hair follicles and camouflages hair loss seamlessly. The hair tattoo lasts for up to 10+ years and will not damage your existing hair follicles. Suitable for both men and women, scalp micropigmentation effectively addresses male pattern baldness, alopecia, scars, receding hairlines, and thinning hair in men and women. This versatile treatment is a safe, non invasive alternative hair loss solution that looks 100% natural.

Lasts
for Years

Natural
Results

No Surgery
or Pills

Reclaim
Confidence
Who is Inkd SMP?
- Rated Top 10 Artists world wide
- 2025 Australian Small Business Champion
- Awarded #1 Tattoo Artist Australia wide
- Winner 2024 Best International SMP Artist
- Melbourne and Canada locations
- Established 2019 : 2000 clients world wide
- Leading Pro Training Academy
Our team is renowned worldwide for our signature 3D Realism tattoo style and revolutionary training programs. We help create and set the modern SMP industry standards for natural results.
Hair Pigmentation Tattoo

Shaved Hair Tattoo
Restore receding hairlines or create a new hairline

Hair
Thickening
Disguise thinning and thicken the look of hair

Scarring & Alopecia
Conceal and camouflage scars on the scalp

Women’s
SMP
Create the appearance of fuller and thicker hair

Beard Thickening
Thicken beards and camouflage patches
Certified SMP Clinics






Our Locations
Inkd SMP locations are state-of-the-art, health department approved private clinics. In Australia? Visit us at our stunning flagship location on Chapel St in Melbourne! Based in Canada? Our 2nd international location is now open in Calgary Alberta!
Located on Chapel Street, our premium, state-of-the-art facility is second to none. Enjoy a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere that makes each session comfortable and unique. Private room available.
Tel: 0422 136 991
Located on Chapel Street, our premium, state-of-the-art facility is second to none. Enjoy a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere that makes each session comfortable and unique. Private room available.
Tel: 0422 136 991
Founded by the World’s #1 SMP artist Ana James, Our Calgary location is the newest SMP clinic to hit Canada.
Highly Rated and Reviewed
Australia's Best SMP Artists
Brenda Ardern2025-04-27 I’m glad I found the Inkd SMP team for my training. The online material really set me up with the knowledge that I needed to give me the foundations in SMP before my practical training. Yes! Practical training- hands on work on models and the opportunity for direct in person feedback. The team have all been great with contact and support through the SKOOL community and online via Instagram and the live communication sessions. I am able to receive answers to questions, feedback on my work and progression with SMP. Thanks team! Jay Murray2025-04-24 Anna is a superstar !!! I did my advanced SMP training through Inkd SMP and walked out feeling 110% more confident than i did prior. Anna explains things in a simple way and teaches you techniques that others can not. I highly recommend Inkd SMP if you are beggining in SMP or in need of a confidence boost. Anna still is reachable and there to help after the course finishes giving you access to SMP SKOOL. Cannot praise her and the team enough !!! Thelma Milsop2025-04-21 It was a last-minute decision to undertake the Ink'd SMP course which included the hands-on practical component and the online training and assessments. It was very detailed and comprehensive. It covered all bases. AJ and Jackson were amazing trainers. I thoroughly enjoyed the training. Thank you so very much. I highly recommend this course. Their support is always there for you. You will enjoy it and glad you did it! R A2025-04-09 Five-star service through and through. From start to finish, the professionalism, quality, and care provided exceeded my expectations. A special shoutout to Orlaith for her exceptional patience, dedication, and skill throughout the entire process. She took the time to explain everything in detail, making sure I was comfortable and informed every step of the way. Her attention to detail and expertise truly shine through in the final results. I couldn't be happier with my experience and highly recommend Inked SMP to anyone looking for top-notch customer service and results! Clive Humphreys2025-04-08 If you’re considering SMP, I highly recommend Anna and Orlaith. They’re leaders in their field and the work they do is second to none. They’re such really lovely people too. Ry Hill2025-03-21 5/5 Stars I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the exceptional service at Inkd SMP in Melbourne, and I must say, AJ and her team are truly the best in class. From the initial consultation to the final session, I felt treated like a friend rather than just a customer. The professionalism, care, and attention to detail were outstanding. The results exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with how good it looks! Thanks Gang!!!! Love Ryan Melissa Robinson2025-03-20 I recently completed my beginners SMP training course in Melbourne and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience! Anas teaching style is incredibly effective and fun. she breaks down smp into simple steps, and her extensive knowledge of scalp micropigmentation is super impressive. The hands-on practice with models was invaluable! highly recommend training with Ana and the Inkd team Jared o2025-03-16 Did an amazing job! Highly recommend using them! Andrea Kyriacou2025-03-13 I recently completed my advanced training with AJ at INKD SMP, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about what she does. The online course was exceptionally detailed and informative, with fantastic practical videos that made learning so much easier. Thanks to AJ’s clear and thorough explanations, the hands-on training felt effortless. The ongoing support is outstanding, and she’s just an amazing person to be around. Highly recommend her to anyone looking to advance their SMP skills!" Johnny James2025-02-14 Great place and nice staff who did a great job! 👏
SMP Before and After
Real People. Re
We go above and beyond to ensure your happiness and flawless treatments. Watch below to hear real testimonials from our happy clients.
The Inkd SMP Artists
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8

Hair Tattooing Process
01. Consultation
Book a free consultation with our team to discuss the best scalp micropigmentation treatment plan suited to your hair loss.
02. Treatment
Your SMP artist will work closely with you to customise your new look and achieve your desired outcome. The SMP treatment typically involves 2-4 sessions each spaced 7-14 days apart. During each session, your specialist will apply pigment to the scalp in layers, gradually building up the appearance of hair follicles.
03. Guarantee
Once complete, your treatment will include a 12 month refresh session to ensure the healed result looks flawless for years.
Internationally renowned for good reasons
INKD SMP Academy
Trusted by 350+ Artists World wide. Certification for all levels.
Inkd SMP is rated #1 internationally for Scalp Micropigmentation Training.
Locations across Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA.
SMP certification for Beginner artists, and Advanced artist upskill programs.
Online SMP courses and SMP Skool Business Mentoring.
Learn more about our training programs below.
Ready to get started?
Book your free consultation with our skilled practitioners and discover the difference our expertise can make in your life.
During your private, confidential and customised consultation, we will talk you through our process, outline what you’d like to achieve, and provide a quote with recommendations specific to your needs.
- Free In-person consultations
- Free Video Consultation
- Free Phone Consultation
- Free Text Consultation
FAQ's
Scalp Micropigmentation is a semi-permanent treatment that may last 10+ years with proper care. However, over time as your skin naturally sheds it’s layers and absorbs the pigment, the treatment will fade and require touchups. Everyone’s scalp is unique and factors such as sun exposure, and dry or oily skin type may cause this to happen at an accelerated rate.
The average individual will require touchups every 2-5 years to freshen up the colour. Inkd SMP offers a 12 month treatment guarantee to cover any fading or changes to hairline etc requiring a touchup within the first year of your treatment. Touchups are one session and will cover all areas needing blending to ensure your Scalp Micropigmentation treatment stays even and fresh looking.
Scalp Micropigmentation is a semi-permanent treatment that may last 10+ years with proper care. However, over time as your skin naturally sheds it’s layers and absorbs the pigment, the treatment will fade and require touchups. Everyone’s scalp is unique and factors such as sun exposure, and dry or oily skin type may cause this to happen at an accelerated rate.
The average individual will require touchups every 2-5 years to freshen up the colour. Inkd SMP offers a 12 month treatment guarantee to cover any fading or changes to hairline etc requiring a touchup within the first year of your treatment. Touchups are one session and will cover all areas needing blending to ensure your Scalp Micropigmentation treatment stays even and fresh looking.
Pricing for Scalp Micropigmentation also known as ‘hair tattoo’ is determined by the hair loss treatment type, and size of area needing to be covered. On average clients can expect treatment costs ranging from $1500-$4000 for density or full hairline creation.
We base our pricing off of the Norwood Scale, the international standard for determining hair loss severity. We provide confidential, free, no obligation consultations that can be done by submitting your photos online or requesting phone and in person meetings.
Each Scalp Micropigmentation treatment is done over 2-4 sessions. This is to ensure we gradually build up and blend the tattoo, adjust the density and ink colour to create the most natural hair growth results. Sessions generally run between 2-4 hours depending on the area we need to cover.
The majority of our clients complete their full treatment within 2-6 weeks depending on the treatment type. Our general timeline for treatments is 7-14 days in between treatments and 1+ month in between your previous session and final follow up session.
We leave a longer time before your final session as your skin regenerates every 28 days and we always adjust your hair tattoo based on healed results. This method ensures our clients have the most natural looking long term healed results. Our artist will advise you otherwise based on your skin type.
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is generally safe and has minimal side-effects. Common side effects include mild redness, itching, and swelling at the treatment site, which usually subside within a few days.
Ensuring the procedure is performed by a certified professional minimises these risks. While Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) effectively creates the look of thicker hair and shaved hair, it does not affect natural hair growth or hair follicles directly. Overall, the side effects of scalp micropigmentation are typically minor and temporary.
Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) specialist. During this appointment, the specialist will assess your hair loss and discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment.
Design: Once you decide to proceed with Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment, the specialist will create a custom design that takes into account the shape of your head and hairline, as well as your desired hair density and colour.
Treatment: The Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment typically involves 3-4 sessions over the course of 6-8 weeks. During each session, the specialist will use micro-needles to apply pigment to the scalp, gradually building up the appearance of hair follicles. The treatment is typically painless and requires no downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately after each session.
Aftercare: After each session, you’ll need to follow specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results. For the first 3 days, this includes avoiding water on the scalp and excessive sweating, sun exposure, and hair products. For more in-depth information on SMP aftercare follow the link.
Maintenance: Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a long-lasting solution to hair loss, but it may require occasional touch-up sessions to maintain its appearance over time. The frequency of touch-up sessions will vary depending on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and desired hair density.
Overall, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a safe and effective solution to hair loss that provides natural-looking results and requires minimal maintenance. If you’re experiencing hair loss, SMP may be the solution you’ve been looking for to help you regain your confidence and feel great about your hair.
Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) specialist. During this appointment, the specialist will assess your hair loss and discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment.
Design: Once you decide to proceed with Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment, the specialist will create a custom design that takes into account the shape of your head and hairline, as well as your desired hair density and colour.
Treatment: The Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) treatment typically involves 3-4 sessions over the course of 6-8 weeks. During each session, the specialist will use micro-needles to apply pigment to the scalp, gradually building up the appearance of hair follicles. The treatment is typically painless and requires no downtime, allowing you to resume your daily activities immediately after each session.
Aftercare: After each session, you’ll need to follow specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results. For the first 3 days, this includes avoiding water on the scalp and excessive sweating, sun exposure, and hair products. For more in-depth information on SMP aftercare follow the link.
Maintenance: Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a long-lasting solution to hair loss, but it may require occasional touch-up sessions to maintain its appearance over time. The frequency of touch-up sessions will vary depending on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and desired hair density.
Overall, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a safe and effective solution to hair loss that provides natural-looking results and requires minimal maintenance. If you’re experiencing hair loss, SMP may be the solution you’ve been looking for to help you regain your confidence and feel great about your hair.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address thinning hair and hair loss. It involves the application of tiny dots of pigment to the scalp, mimicking the appearance of shaved hair and creating the illusion of thicker hair follicles and natural hair growth. Unlike surgical hair restoration methods, SMP does not require incisions or extensive recovery time.
The process is similar to getting a hair tattoo, where a specialized machine deposits pigment into the upper layers of the skin. Most clients experience minimal discomfort, and side effects are typically limited to mild redness and swelling, which subside quickly. Overall, Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) is a safe and minimally invasive option for achieving the look of fuller, denser hair.
Inkd SMP is renowned worldwide for our signature 3D realism technique. Our method ensures the tattoo looks exactly like real hair follicles growing out of your scalp!
Each client’s natural hair follicle size and colour at the root are matched during the SMP treatment. We use multiple needle sizes and custom colour shades to blend the tattooed follicles within your own. Our technique ensures a natural and undetectable result.
We also take into consideration the age of the client and their hair loss pattern to blend into an area of hair that allows for any future hair loss that may occur. We always fade out the tattoo about an inch into the existing hair to create a seamless blend.
If clients are to experience any further hair loss, we simply touch up the area and blend it into the existing SMP.
In contrast, hair transplants involve surgically moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp to another, promoting natural hair growth. This method can be more invasive, with longer recovery times and potential complications.
While SMP offers a realistic appearance of thicker hair, it doesn’t stimulate hair growth. Hair transplants can restore actual hair growth but may not be suitable for everyone due to cost, recovery time, and varying results. The choice between SMP and hair transplants depends on individual needs and preferences.
Most clients describe the pain from 2-5 out of 10, with the sensation being more of an annoying itch rather than feeling painful. The front temples, hairline and sides of head tend to be the most painful because of the nerve endings in those areas. Numbing cream is available for clients with very low pain tolerance.